It's New Day!

Such calm after last evenings storm. The boisterous winds, lightning , and roaring clasps of thunder resulted in a power outage. But today there is an unexplainable stillness and peace. The birds are tweeting praise. The calming breeze is felt and heard through the tingling of chimes. The sounds are powerful enough to lift the heavy loads we often carry in life.

Oh! And the sun peeks through the clouds as if to remind me, "I'm still shining amid the uncertainties and bloodshed that are causing many to question the existence of an all-knowing and all-powerful God.

After yesterday's trending news about the killing of George Floyd, by a Minnesota policeman, many protests that started out peaceful turned into riots and violence by those with evil intentions. Looters seized the opportunity to protest from emotional instability. Of course, violence is never a solution to a problem.

Unfortunately, when emotional buttons are pushed to the max, human reasoning becomes irrational. Misjudgment and chaos rules the moment and sometimes the hour and the day. The murder of George Floyd and the long list of African American men killed has pushed the emotional button of everyone whose heart is not darkened by hatred and racism.

The world watched the reality of injustice and inequity that African Americans have lived for years. But what now? The emotional unrest--anger, bitterness, the conversations about racial and systemic injustice must no longer be a trend that is talked about for a season. There must be a solution that is inclusive to bring this reprehensible and inhumane act to an end. I pray that truth of oppression is revealed and real change is now!

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©2020 Queen E. Phillips. All rights reserved.

Tips for Tough Times, Tip #2

Guess what? The news media will continue to report on Coronavirus (COVID-19). It's their job, although many journalists may be doing so reluctantly. They are also being impacted by this pandemic. We can never forget that this is a global crisis; fear and anxiety are driving the behavior of many people. Being informed is critical; however, it is our personal responsibility to assess our emotional stability. We must learn to control our emotions and refocus our thoughts when we're becoming overwhelmed with distressing news reports. Monitoring our news intake is within our control.

From a spiritual perspective, God never intended for human beings to handle life's challenges apart from Him. We are frail and limited in our human strength, even though our egos say otherwise. We don't have the mental capacity or emotional stability without God's supernatural power to manage the perplexities and complexities of life. Therefore, HE provided a way for us to experience the peace we need when life's challenges arise such as this pandemic and other disastrous occurrences in our lives. That peace comes through His Son, Jesus Christ!

Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.- John 14:27

One of my most peaceful experiences is to behold the beauty of God's creation. It's something about seeing the effects of the wind, hearing it, while in awe of its invisibility. The calming breeze reminds me of the supernatural power of the eternal, immortal, invisible God, the Creator of heaven and earth. He controls all of His creation. It's reassurance that He's my fortress.

In addition, to experience the peace that eradicates fear and anxiety is to position yourself where your "gates" (eyes, ears, mouth) can be open to impart into your spirit. Be intentional and create an atmosphere where the calming Presence of the Holy Spirit is welcome and the peace that comes from the Prince of Peace--Jesus Christ is.

To ensure your emotional well-being and receive into your spirit the calming Presence of the Lord Jesus, here are some practical tips that brings spiritual results:

• Protect your "gates." These are the entrances into your soul and spirit. Protect your "eye gate" by not constantly viewing negative, disturbing news. Avoid watching what will incite fear and increase anxiety. Instead, look at funny TV shows that make you laugh, wholesome family-friendly movies/old sitcoms or inspirational movies that communicate messages of faith, love and hope to remind you of God's truth. Look into God's Word, read it aloud, meditate on it, and allow the Holy Spirit to open your eyes to see. Ask Him to speak to you personally!

• Protect your "ear gate" by not listening to rumors, gossip, criticism, negative opinions, and unfounded theories about Coronavirus. Instead, listen to spiritual songs and music that inspire. You can have your private praise and worship setting in your home. It will calm your spirit and create an atmosphere that ushers in the Presence of God. Social media has become a hotbed for fear and anxiety. Avoid negative LIVE STREAMS and posts. Scroll pass anything that will disrupt your peace of mind and shake your emotional stability. Your emotional well-being is under attack during this time! You need encouragement NOT discouragement!

• Protect and guard your space. While social distancing and being under the "Stay Home-Work Safe" order, control the atmosphere in your home. Avoid an atmosphere that breeds fear, negativity and hopelessness.

• Speak life not death (Proverbs 18:21). Words are powerful and what you say is evidence of what is in your heart (Luke 6:45, Matthew 12:34). Your tongue is a deadly fire (James 3:6). Therefore, be an encourager by speaking words that encourage and edify others and yourself (Ephesians 4:29).

• Pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Prayer is a privilege given by God. This is the opportune time to take advantage of it. Remember, if there's no communication within a relationship the relationship will be broken. Stay connected with God. AND if you are not connected, you can get connected by reading and applying these life-changing instructions in Romans 10:8-11.

Finally, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6)

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Copyright 2020. Queen E. Phillips, Royalty Solutions. All rights reserved.

Tips for Tough Times, Tip #1

The world is in a crisis! Anxiety and fear are off the Richter scale and your emotions are probably draining you physically. Perhaps irritability is like a stick of dynamite that will explode if someone looks at you. Of course, being on lockdown has disrupted your idea of normalcy. Not to mention, the pain of loss, grief and mourning the death of family and friends is unbearable.

Since you are practicing social distancing or following "stay-at- home" guidelines based on your geographical regions, here is a practical tip to help you maintain some emotional stability:

Be strategic! You are in an emotional battle. Set up a centralized location as a "calming" space. Display some special items that can bring a sense of calm and comfort--fragrances, diffusers with essential oils, etc. Place memorable photos that bring peaceful reflections for when you're in your feelings. This special space can help you change your focus and redirect your thoughts. Our thoughts govern our actions, good and bad; positive and negative. In this crisis it is critical to control our thoughts in order to survive these difficult times.

Below is a key to help you control your thoughts:

Focus your thoughts on these things: all that is true, all that is holy, all that is just, all that is pure, all that is lovely, and all that is worthy of praise. It may be difficult at first, but the more you practice you will be able to master your thought life.

You are either the captive or the captain of your thought. -Denis Waitley

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©2020 Queen E. Phillips. All rights reserved. Royalty Solutions.